Union Elementary Teacher Wins Civics Award

Kristie Bush was presented the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award from Secretary of State Deb Markowitz last week at the State House. Following are the Secretary's remarks from the ceremony:

Kristie Bush began teaching in the Montpelier School district over two decades ago. She started her career as a social studies teacher at Main Street Middle School, but has spent most of her time as a 5th grade teacher for Union Elementary. Every student Mrs. Bush ever had would tell you that she stresses the importance of civic engagement, and honoring those who have served our country.

Kristie was chosen as a recipient of this year’s award because of her leadership and longstanding commitment to promoting civics education in her classroom, her school and her state. She was a founder member of “Kids Voting,” which has evolved into Vermont Votes for Kids. She was instrumental in developing and promoting our mock election program.

She has incorporated initiatives such as the student mock election into her classroom every year to teach her students the importance of being active citizens in this great country. Mrs. Bush’s class also writes birthday cards to kids turning 18 to remind them to register to vote after their birthday. Kristie Bush works hard to instill democratic values in her elementary students, encouraging them to partake in their civic duties and helping them to encourage high school students to do the same!

Kristie also takes the time to honor veterans each year with her class in a unique and engaging way. They recognize the relatives of students who have served our country with a VIP (Very important Person) project, and her class also attends the annual VFW Veteran’s Day Luncheon.

The National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award was established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in 2001 to honor individuals, groups, or organizations with a record of promoting the goals of NASS in one or more of the following areas: improving elections, with special emphasis on voter education and increasing voter participation; civic education, including the teaching, promotion, and study of this subject; and service to state government--specifically, as it relates to improving democracy in the state.

photo: Kristie Bush and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz